Muscat said on 30 January that it has uncovered a network of spies working for its neighbor the UAE in the sultanate.

“The security apparatuses [in Oman] have discovered a spy network affiliated to the State Security Service in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) targeting the regime in Oman and the mechanism of the governmental and military work. The convicted will be presented before the trial according to the procedures followed in this regard,” reported the official Oman News Agency (Ona).

The UAE responded by denying the allegations. “The UAE categorically denies any knowledge or link with the alleged network, and was surprised to get its name immersed in such reports that contradict the values and norms of the UAE dealings with the sisterly and friendly countries, especially with the Sultanate of Oman,” reported the official Emirates News Agency (Wam).